Buoys – rafts – and aquatic devices – Water skimming or walking device
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-25
2001-04-10
Sotelo, Jesus D. (Department: 3617)
Buoys, rafts, and aquatic devices
Water skimming or walking device
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213830
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to aquatic devices, and more specifically to an aquatic device that can be operated in the standing position.
2. Description of Related Art
Water activities are an increasingly popular form of recreational activity. Consequently, there are a variety of personal aquatic devices that allow the operator to float on or move over water. Such devices include canoes, kayaks, dinghies, and windsurfers. However, these devices are generally large, difficult to store and transport, expensive to purchase, and troublesome to operate and maintain. While a variety of personal flotation devices also exist, these devices are primarily designed to maintain a body afloat and are generally inefficient for movement over water. Further, conventional aquatic devices are inefficient in maneuvering around obstructions and debris, such as rocks and floating or stationary logs.
Additionally, such devices cannot be operated in very shallow water (for example, four inches or less) or in semi-aquatic environments such as swamps, marshes, ice, snow, or mud. Therefore, conventional aquatic devices are severely limited in there uses and most can only be used in open water. Furthermore, the majority of conventional aquatic devices must be operated in the sitting position. This prevents the operator from efficiently engaging in other activities and limits the usefulness of conventional devices for rescue operations or recreational activities such as hunting.
Therefore, there is a need for an aquatic device that is superior to conventional aquatic devices for recreational purposes, as well as for use in rescue, lifesaving, and flood situations. The device should be inexpensive, versatile, lightweight, easy to store and transport, durable, and free of moving or excess parts. The device should also be amphibious to allow movement over and through a wide range of aquatic and semiaquatic environments. Additionally, the device should allow for flexibility of operator movement so that the operator can easily engage in other activities, and provide a large, buoyant surface area for carrying supplies or a rescued individual.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of these drawbacks, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide an improved stand-up aquatic device.
One embodiment of the present invention provides a stand-up aquatic device that includes at least one float member formed of a buoyant material. The float member has an upper surface and a lower surface for contacting the water. Additionally, the float member has at least one cut-through such that an end portion of the float member can be lifted to alter the shape of the lower surface of the float member so as to provide a different footprint in the water. In a preferred embodiment, the lower surface of the float member normally has a substantially rectangular shape, but is tapered going towards one end when that end portion of the float member is lifted.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a float member formed of a buoyant material for use in a stand-up aquatic device. The float member includes an upper portion having an upper surface with a first shape, and a lower portion having a lower surface with a second shape, which has less surface area than the first shape. In one preferred embodiment, the float member also includes at least one ridge that is attached to the lower surface of the lower portion and extends lengthwise to act as a keel.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a stand-up aquatic device that includes at least one float member formed of a buoyant material and two pieces of flotation material. The float member has a flat upper surface and a lower surface for contacting the water, and the two pieces of flotation material attach to the ends of the upper surface of the float member to provide additional buoyancy. In a preferred embodiment, the two pieces of flotation material are removably attached to the upper surface of the floatation member.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only and various modifications may naturally be performed w out deviating from the present invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4060866 (1977-12-01), Robinson
patent: 4129912 (1978-12-01), Robinson
patent: 4985006 (1991-01-01), Brunet
patent: 5558553 (1996-09-01), Okano
Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A.
Sotelo Jesus D.
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